All smiles at Telethon’s Mega Bingo fundraiser at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

As thousands of bingo fans raised their brightly coloured highlighters in anticipation of “eyes down”, a deafening hush fell over the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

A little girl’s giggle, which would have been swallowed by the roar of thousands of excited players’ voices moments earlier, echoed across the huge hall, now abuzz with anticipation.

The stakes at Telethon’s Mega Bingo on Saturday were undeniably high.

From small cash prizes to huge cheques and a new $30,000 GWM Haval Jolion Luxury thanks to Wanneroo GWM Haval and Phoenix Motors, there was something for everyone.

Telethon general manager Mark McCrory said tickets to Mega Bingo sold out in record time - less than 48 hours.

He said a record 6000 raffle tickets were sold on the day with nearly 5000 participants enjoying one of the biggest community bingo events in the country, run by Mal Atwell Billiards and Bingo.

“More than $50,000 was raised for Telethon, so it’s been a great day,” he said.

“It’s a fantastic result when passionate West Australians come together to support and help our sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children.”

It comes after a record-smashing $62 million was raised for Telethon last year, with the West Australian spirit of giving toppling the previous year’s record of $46.3m.

One of the hosts at Saturday’s Mega Bingo, The West Live’s Ben O’Shea, said he had not been prepared for how many people would show up to raise money to help sick children.

“It’s actually so fantastic to see how WA gets involved and gets behind Telethon — and also bingo!” he said, laughing.

Channel 7 reporter Syan Vallance said the turn-out at the event “blew my mind”.

“There’s no other event like this,” she said.

She was joined in hosting by sports presenter Adrian “Barra” Barich, weather presenter Samantha Jolly, Flashpoint host Tim McMillan, news reporter Kate Massey, Home in WA presenter Alex Circosta, and 79-year-old media legend John “Burgo” Burgess — who narrowly escaped with his life when he was struck down by sepsis in February.

Perth mum and first-time bingo player Jill Safe couldn’t wipe the smile off her face after scoring $500 in cash.

Overwhelmed by her own win — a whopping $5000 — Elaine Gartland had to get her friend to continue playing for her while she wiped away her tears of joy.

Hands visibly shaking, the young WA woman said the surprising win was “crazy”.

“I’m completely lost for words,” she said crying.

When asked how she’d be spending her dollars, she generously admitted half would be going to her friend, who had got her ticket for the event.

Beginner’s luck was an obvious theme for the day, with first-time player Dawn Carrall also snagging a welcome prize.

A sea of smiles stretched across the hall throughout the Mega Bingo event.

But no one had more reason to grin than Veronica Packieto — who walked away with a new set of wheels, and 19-year-old Summer Vlahov from Madeley, who pocketed the big $35,000 cash prize.

“I have such a smile, my cheeks are hurting. This was the first time I’ve come and played bingo, although me and my family always try to support Telethon,” Ms Vlahov said.

“I was sweating so hard and my heart was just thumping, and then I heard 57 and screamed ‘bingo’!

“Finances have been really rough for me and my mum and my brother who has autism, so having this wonderful amount of money coming in, it means we won’t have to worry every day about can we afford therapy and the things we need.

“Plus, my 21st birthday is coming up so now I can throw a party. I’m so excited!”